Houston Daily

Downtown Redevelopment Authority Board of Directors met Aug. 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Downtown Redevelopment Authority (the “Authority”) convened in regular session, in person and open to the public, inside the H-Town Conference Room at the Authority’s office, located at 1221 McKinney Street, Suite 4250, Houston, TX 77010, on August 12, 2025, and the roll was called of the duly constituted officers and members of the Board, to wit:

Curtis Flowers Chair

Michele Sabino Vice Chair

Barry Mandel Secretary

Keith Hamm Treasurer

Regina Garcia Director

James Harrison Director

Kirby Liu Director

Tiko Reynolds-Hausman Director

William Taylor Director

And all of said persons were present except for Chair Flowers, Secretary Mandel, and Directors Harrison and Garcia. Additional attendees included Allen Douglas, Executive Director (“ED”); Kris Larson, President; Jana Gunter, Director of Finance, all with the Authority; staff members Brett DeBord, Andy Corbin, Jacque Gonzalez-Garcia, Jamie Perkins, Albert Sanchez, and Ann Taylor, all with the Authority; Clark Lord with Bracewell, outside counsel to the Authority; Andrew Busker with the City of Houston; and guest presenters Lars Koster and Ashley Prasse-Freeman with Hines; and Charlie Penland with Walter P. Moore.

DETERMINE QUORUM; CALL TO ORDER

Vice Chair Sabino conducted a roll call of the Directors at 12:14 PM. She announced the meeting did not meet quorum at that time, as one additional Director was expected and en route. Vice Chair Sabino then put all agenda items requiring a vote on hold until the meeting had a quorum. Finally, she called on ED Douglas to begin with the updates and presentation from our guest presenters.

UPDATE AND PRESENTATION ON SCI INFRASTRUCTURE RESILIENCY PROJECT

ED Douglas opened with a brief overview of the project’s history, then welcomed Lars Koster and Ashley Prasse-Freeman with Hines, and Charlie Penland with Walter P. Moore. Together, the team presented a summary that highlighted the work completed, the phases currently under construction, and the upcoming improvements scheduled for implementation. Discussion ensued, and questions were asked and answered. No further action was required.

QUORUM ESTABLISHED

Upon the arrival of the additional Director who was en route, Vice Chair Sabino declared quorum for the meeting at 12:22 PM.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Vice Chair Sabino then inquired if anyone from the public wished to comment. There were no comments from the public.

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The Board reviewed the minutes from the regular joint board meeting held on June 10, 2025. Vice Chair Sabino invited comments or changes to the minutes. After hearing none, she called for a motion. Treasurer Hamm moved to approve the minutes, and Director Taylor seconded the motion. The minutes from the June 10, 2025, regular joint board meeting were then approved by the Board, as presented.

AUTHORIZE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR RENEWED COUNTY PARTICIPATION IN TIRZ #3

Vice Chair Sabino invited ED Douglas to lead the discussion on the topic. He began by providing an overview of the existing partnership between the Authority and Harris County Precinct 1, as outlined in their current interlocal agreement. He noted that this agreement is set to expire at the end of 2025, and both parties expressed a desire to continue their partnership through an Amended and Restated Interlocal Agreement.

ED Douglas then presented the draft of the Amended and Restated Interlocal Agreement, which had been negotiated previously by the Authority and the County. After presenting the draft, he opened the floor for questions, which were addressed and discussed.

Once the discussion concluded and all questions were answered, Vice Chair Sabino called for a motion to authorize the TIRZ and the Authority to enter into the amended and restated Participation Agreement with Harris County, allowing for their continued involvement in the TIRZ to increase the efficient and effective implementation of certain aspects of the Project Plan. Director Taylor moved the motion, and Treasurer Hamm seconded it. The board unanimously approved the item as presented.

AUTHORIZE FINAL PORTION OF BUDGET FOR MARKET SQUARE PARK

Vice Chair Sabino called on Brett DeBord to present this action item. He explained that the Authority Staff is seeking authorization for the remaining budgetary funds totaling $200,000 to complete the Market Square Park Kiosk Improvements Project. He noted that these additional funds will cover any unforeseen expenses that may arise during the construction of the new improvements. Questions were asked and answered.

Vice Chair Sabino called for a motion to authorize the remaining construction financing for the Market Square Park Kiosk Improvements Project, not to exceed $200,000. Treasurer Hamm seconded the motion, and Director Reynolds-Hausman also supported it. The item was then approved as presented.

FINANCE MATTERS

Financial Statements – 4Q / FY25

Vice Chair Sabino asked Jana Gunter to provide a summary of the 4Q / FY25 Financial Statements. Ms. Gunter shared statement highlights, then called for questions or comments. Questions were asked and answered.

Vice Chair Sabino called a motion to accept the 4Q / FY25 Financial Statements; moved by Director Liu, and seconded by Treasurer Hamm, and the 4Q / FY25 Financial Statements were accepted as presented.

Investment Report – 4Q / FY25

Ms. Gunter was invited to continue, and she provided a review of the 4Q / FY25 Investment Report. No questions were asked, and no discussion took place.

Vice Chair Sabino called for a motion to accept the 4Q/FY25 Investment Report, moved by Director Liu, and seconded by Treasurer Hamm. The 4Q/FY25 Investment Report was accepted as presented.

Check Registers - June & July 2025

Ms. Gunter concluded the finance updates by providing highlights from the check registers for the months ending June 30 and July 31, 2025. She then asked if there were any questions. Questions were asked and answered, and discussion ensued.

A motion to accept the June and July check registers was entertained by Vice Chair Sabino. The motion, moved by Treasurer Hamm and seconded by Director Reynolds-Hausman, accepted the check registers for June and July as presented.

BUDGET DISCUSSION UPDATE

ED Douglas shared an update on the status of the FY26 Operation & CIP Budget. He reminded the Board that the draft FY26 budget was accepted and approved at the June 10th Board meeting. Next, ED Douglas announced that the approved draft had been submitted to City Council for their vetting and approval. He concluded by noting the final budget is expected to be approved by City Council in the coming months.

UPDATE ON MAIN STREET ENGAGEMENT SUPPORT

Vice Chair Sabino invited Ann Taylor to present updates on the continued support of businesses along Main Street affected by the Main Street Promenade Project. Ms. Taylor shared a slide deck showcasing the variety of support avenues the Downtown Houston + family of companies currently offers. This includes weekly open office hours within the community, social media updates, information on our web-based app, paid media and earned media opportunities, and our monthly newsletter. Questions were asked and answered. No action was required.

STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT UPDATES

ED Douglas referred to Goal 1.6 and announced the EV Charging Station is now operational. President Larson encouraged Board members to review updates on the remaining cross-organizational goals, as outlined in the previously provided materials.

NEXT MEETINGS

Vice Chair Sabino stated the Enhance, Connect, Thrive, and Engage Collaborative Committee Meetings will resume in August. Finally, she concluded by announcing the next Board meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 12:00 PM.

ADJOURN BOARD MEETING

Vice Chair Sabino called for a motion to adjourn the August 12 Board meeting. The motion was moved by Director Liu and seconded by Treasurer Hamm, and the meeting concluded at 1:20 PM.

https://ctycms.com/tx-houston/docs/dra-meeting-packet---9/9/25